Playing with a New Oil Transfer Technique

I like to use my illustrated recipes to experiment with layouts, hand lettering and new techniques. When I read about Penelope Dullaghan’s oil transfer technique, I decided it was time for a new illustrated recipe and an experiment.

I love to illustrate recipes. I like cooking, so it is a fun way to compile my favourite recipes. But it’s also a great learning tool. It’s a place to experiment with layouts, hand lettering and new techniques. When I read about Penelope Dullaghan‘s oil transfer technique, I decided it was time for a new illustrated recipe and a little experiment.

A close up of the finish illustration – it gives an interesting line quality and a light background texture

What is this oil transfer?

Oil transfer is simple. It works a like carbon paper. Here’s how to get started:

Make a draft drawing on thin paper

Paint a sheet of cartage paper with a diluted layer of oil paint

Leave it until it’s half dry (you can use a hair dryer to speed the process)

Layer your paper as follow from bottom to top:

Paper for your final art work

Oil painted paper (oil paint side on the drawing paper)

Your draft drawing on top

Keep everything in place with a few pieces of tape

Trace your picture with a pen. I used a Uniball Eye pen as tested on the sheet below

The oil transfer technique gives an interesting line quality (see close up drawing above) and a little background texture. You can finish the illustration with watercolour or pencil when the transfer is dry.

A few experiments with the oil transfer before I moved onto the ‘real’ illustration. Tracing with a pen, rather than a sharp object, worked best for me as I could clearly see which lines I had drawn already.

But there’s a catch!

I love the lines on the drawings of the sheep and all the food illustrations. But there’s a catch. Oil transfer makes a thick and fuzzy line and the writing can lack clarity. I made two versions of the illustration. One with the lettering in pencil, the other using oil transfer throughout.

I like the second one best as the contrast is stronger.

Would I use oil transfer again? Yes. However I would pick a recipe with less writing or draw the lettering with a fine liner. More experiments!

A watercolour and pencil version of the pizza recipe. I got carried away with the colouring and the drawing lacks contrast!The final version of the recipe. I ruined a fine liner going over the oil transfer lettering to make it easier to read. But I am happy with the results!!

Sophie Peanut is a sketch artist and illustrator based in Halifax UK. She works in pen and watercolour. Sophie loves urban sketching, drawing people and landscapes and likes to illustrate recipes. She also teaches drawing and painting online.

Follow Me

Newsletter

Get Sketching Tips, Inspiration and Updates:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

About Sophie Peanut

Hi, I am Sophie. I am an artist and illustrator and live in Halifax in the UK. I draw and paint with watercolours, pens and pencils. I carry a sketchbook with me at most times. I use it to sketch my life and the world around me. I like illustrating my favourite family recipes too!